The apparel for Rockstar Bao was a really fun project. The initial prompt was “Goth Rave,” which immediately brought to mind that clip of goths dancing under a bridge. I couldn’t recall the exact subgenre, but I remembered the bellbottom-style Tripp pants they wore, and that detail helped shape the direction of the merch. Since the audience for this drop doesn’t typically wear this style, I focused on striking a balance between bold goth elements and a more modern, approachable look. This collection was also meant to be the main merch for Bao’s live concert in LA, so I wanted pieces that would visually stand out. The shirt includes glow-in-the-dark elements designed to pop under concert lighting, and the pants and vest use white stitching that reacts under blacklight. The original concepts had more hardware—extra O-rings for suspenders and additional rivet details—but those were cut for time. Instead of committing to full bellbottoms, I added side zippers so the tapered leg can convert into a straight-leg fit. I also added a convertible shorts option by unzipping the pants at the knee, which is great for ventilation since packed concerts get hot fast. Overall, it was a highly experimental project, and one I’m really proud of.